Groups

What is a Group

A group is defined as a combination of two or more individuals jointly contributing specialized services which are coordinated for the attainment of enterprise purpose.

Stages of Group formation:

• Forming: Gathering information and resources,finding out things about the tasks, rules and methods.

• Storming: Development of conflicts over tasks or leadership.

• Norming: Settling the conflicts,development of cooperation exchange of views and development of new standards.

• Performing: Achieving team work,experiencing flexible roles, finding and implementing solutions.

• Adjourning: Dispersing on completion of its tasks.

Group effectiveness;

Effectiveness means:

• Effectiveness in terms of task accomplishment

• Effectiveness in terms of satisfaction of group members.

Characteristics of an effective group

• Members listen to each other

• Most decisions are reached by general consensus

• Much relevant discussion with high degree of participation

• Informal,relaxed atmosphere

• Group tasks or objectives clearly understood.

• Group examines its own progress and behavior.

• Leadership is not always with the chairman but shared.

• ideas are expressed freely and openly

• Conflict is handled maturely.

Characteristics of an Ineffective group

• Members do not listen to each other

• Most decisions are reached by simple majority

• Discussion is dominated by few and it may not be relevant

• Bored or tensed atmosphere

• No clear common objective

• Groups avoid any discussion about its behavior

• Leadership is provided by the chairman

• Personal feelings are kept hidden and criticism is embarrassing

• Conflict is either avoided or allowed to escalate beyond proportion.